Darkin: A Journey East Read Online Free PDF Page B

start east. If we can’t find Grelion, we shall go on eastward until we find free natives. Then we will unite with them to build an army,” Adacon said, as his mind swirled in patterns with no control. Krem interrupted him.
    “ We , hmmm? Who is this party you think to be assembled, that you speak of so surely in tone. You speak as if you are not the only one willing to die for your freedom,” Krem said.
    “I have myself, and that is all I shall need for the moment. I know in my heart there are others like me, there has to be—how could this way of life have been tolerated for so long? All those who share this passion for freedom will follow me. For I’ve never felt love, such as you speak of, and I shall free myself to find it, at all costs.” Adacon glowered, and then he sighed, glancing to Krem’s large green eyes.
    “I’ll tell you what I think, lad. You have the passion, and the virtue, you only need the path. I think it is time to bring about a relapse into the way of the ancients.”
    “The way of the ancients?”
    “Heh, so young and passionate, and yet you do not realize how dangerous you are, or the constant danger you are in.”
    “I feel danger from nothing now.”
    “That is not true,” Krem coldly replied.
    “Upon a thousand leagues of this desert I swear to you, I will give my life for this cause,” Adacon pleaded, feeling as though the old man could help him greatly on his journey, if only he’d believe his sincerity.
    “Then your mind is made up. The quest should start in the summoning of a small band of fighters. You escaped from your plantation leaving behind no guards, correct?” questioned Krem.
    “I killed them all, yes.”
    “It appears the goal of your quest is laid out plain enough in your mind, but the starting point remains shrouded in uncertainty,” Krem said, and he drew in a deep breath before continuing. “I think the first move you might make, if you’re inclined to take an old man’s advice, should be made after a brief rest. Go, sleep upon my soft bed there. When you awake, return to your plantation and gather the slaves you left for the wilderness. Tell them of your war, and let your own eyes see who will stand with you.” Krem pointed in the direction of a pillow-filled mat near the cave wall. Adacon didn’t protest the chance for sleep, and he quietly lay down.
     
    It seemed that nearly no time had passed at all when Krem’s voice woke him from deep slumber.
    “It is time now, lad. I have let you sleep too long. The sun is failing, you must go.”
    “Alright—I’ll go,” Adacon replied, startled to realize the old man hadn’t been just some strange dream after all.
    “I’ve no idea how far the next tower is from my farm, so there’s no way to know if the farm has been found already by the lords. I mean Grelion. His men may already guard there again.”
    “Not yet, I don’t think,” Krem said.
    “Do you know if more towers are near?”
    “There is always a sentry tower nearby in this age, and that is why you must make all haste. Once you’ve recovered those slaves who will take to your cause, return here to my home amidst the dunes. We shall assess your next move then,” Krem ordered. Without any more words, the old man led Adacon out of the pond room and back up the ladder into the main living hall on the first floor. He walked, still in awe over the magnificence of Krem’s home, a marvelous cave palace encompassed in a sand dune. Krem gave a gruff farewell once they reached the green door, and he swiftly departed, thanking the old man once again for the food and rest.
     

III: THERE AND BACK AGAIN
     
    The sun was slowly setting in the western sky. Adacon felt that at any moment he would awaken from a dream. His whole world had been flipped upside down, but when he contrasted the negatives against what his former life had been, he felt some happiness.
    Shadows grew long and thin as he trod down the path, walking alongside shrubs that became